(3) Chapter: Patience and Perseverance

Allah, the Exalted, says: "O you who believe! Endure and be more patient..". (3:200) "And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirun (the patient)". (2:155) "Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning.'' (39:10) "And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah.'' (42:43) "Seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer). Truly, Allah is with As-Sabirun (the patient).'' (2:153) "And surely, We shall try you till We test those who strive hard (for the Cause of Allah) and As-Sabirun (the patient)'' (47:31) There are numerous Verses of the Noble Qur'an inculcating patience and extolling it. ----------- Abu Malik Al-Harith bin Asim Al-Ash'ar (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Wudu' is half of Salah; the utterance of (Al-hamdu lillah - all praise belongs to Allah) fills the Scales of good actions; the utterance of (Subhan Allah wa Al-hamdu lillah) (Allah is far removed from every imperfection and all praise belongs to Allah) fills the space between the heavens and the earth, and Salat (prayer) is light; and charity is the proof of Faith; and endurance is light, and the Qur'an is a plea in your favour or against you. Every person departs; he either ransoms it or puts it into perdition". [Muslim]. ------------ Commentary: 1. Piety in all forms is meritorious. And Faith means Faith in its perfect form. Some people are of the opinion that here Faith means Salat. Purification is essential for Salat and this is the reason it is regarded as half of Salat. 2. Excellence of the remembrance of Allah. 3. Inducement for concentration on Salat because it is a light which provides guidance to a Muslim at every step and prevents him from obscenity and unlawful actions. 4. Sadaqah signifies a Muslim's sincerity and devotion. 5. The praiseworthiness of patience. It is a strong weapon of a Muslim which provides him with steadfastness. 6. The Qur'an is a means of salvation as well as destruction for a Muslim. If one acts upon its orders, it becomes a means of his salvation; if he shuns them, it ruins him. 7. One should not leave oneself idle but keep it busy - busy in some noble work, otherwise it would tend to evil which will eventually ruin him. 8. One should spend this transitory earthly life in the obedience of Allah.